Malloy: 'Highest threat to human life our state has experienced'

"The last time we saw anything like this was never," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said during a Sunday evening press conference about the impending Hurricane Sandy heading.

He said that Connecticut could be the hardest hit of all the states, and that all worst-case scenarios talked about for days appear closer and closer to arriving with Sandy.

Connecticut will also extend voter registration deadlines by two days across the state.

The governor told the media and residents that there has been no change in what Connecticut should expect: The state is heading for the most serious storm in its history.

Malloy said that storm surge along the Connecticut coast could reach 11 feet, and residents who have not made plans to evacuate need to do so now.

"This could be the difference between life and death," he said.

Once the storm hits, emergency workers will not be able to rescue those who stayed behind during the storm, which could last 36 to 48 hours, because it could occur during four high tides.

"We're expecting 40- to 60-mph winds, with gusts as high as 80 mph, over a 36-hour period," Malloy said.

The governor said that Sandy, which is expected to become a hybrid storm as it combines with two others over our area, is going to be unlike anything we've seen before.

"A hurricane impact in Connecticut is normally six to 12 hours," Malloy said. "This will last 36 to 48 hours that include four high-tide cycles."

"This is the highest threat to human life our state has experienced in anyone's lifetime," the governor said later.

He said Monday night is expected to be the worst night for winds and flooding.

Malloy told residents to be sure to have anything not nailed down on their properties to be moved inside.

Along with ordering all non-essential state workers to stay home Monday, the governor is signing an executive order to extend voter registration from Tuesday, Oct. 30, to Thursday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. "Weather events happen, but our democracy goes on."

Later, the governor was asked what would happen if much of the state is still without power on Election Day.